CURRENT SITUATION
More than 500 line, tree, contractor, assessor and support personnel from across the state are working to restore power to AEP Ohio customers after severe weather caused scattered power outages across our service territory. The hardest hit areas include Delaware, Galena and Sunbury. Approximately 13,400 customers were without power at the peak of the storm. As of 11:00 a.m., around 10,800 customers remain without power in the Delaware and Pomeroy areas.
Suspected tornadoes touched down in Delaware County, breaking at least 30 utility poles and toppling six high-voltage transmission towers. As damage assessment continues in the daylight, we expect to uncover more broken poles and equipment.
While crews will continue working throughout the day to restore power, some customers who receive power through high-voltage transmission towers that were damaged should prepare for the possibility of a multi-day outage. We plan to update these customers through an automated phone call as soon as we have additional information — make sure we have your best contact information at AEPOhio.com/Account.
As needed, additional crews will join the restoration effort. We’ll work safely and as quickly as possible to get the power back on for all customers.
Watch this video update for a quick recap and important safety reminders.
ASSESSING THE DAMAGE
This morning, assessment teams are beginning to determine what materials will be needed at each job site and how many lineworkers it will take to get the job done. Crews are using drones to assess the extent of the damage and are bringing in land-moving equipment from all over the state to help. Some customers without power in the hardest hit areas will likely see a status of “assessing” until crews are able to determine the severity of the damage. Once crews have completed their assessment, customers can expect to receive an updated estimated restoration time.
GET RESTORATION UPDATES
By enrolling in our alerts at AEPOhio.com/Alerts, customers can get updated restoration information. When our crews arrive on individual work sites, a more precise restoration time for the affected group of customers will be updated in our system and communicated through alerts if the customers have signed up to receive our notifications by phone or email. Updated information can also be found on AEPOhio.com/OutageMap.
POST-STORM SAFETY TIPS
- Stay as far away as possible from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards or call AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
- Carefully investigate before cleaning up any debris. Tree limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind could hide downed wires.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- If using a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I call AEP Ohio to report my power outage?
Immediately after a severe storm like this, we ask that you report only safety hazards such as downed lines or equipment that is sparking. You can report outages on the AEP Ohio mobile app or at AEPOhio.com/OutageMap.
What should customers do if they see downed lines?
Don’t touch it or anything near it. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized. Keep yourself and others as far away as possible and call 911 or AEP Ohio immediately at (800) 672-2231.
How does AEP Ohio handle tree damage?
Our tree crews are among the first responders as they work to safely clear trees from our lines and equipment and move to the next location as quickly as possible to allow our line crews to restore power. We do not remove cut trees or limbs during emergency power restoration. In these instances, property owners are responsible for removing tree debris.
Don’t attempt to remove tree limbs or debris yourself if it is within 10 feet of a power line. Also, if you notice downed lines or sparking equipment, stay far away and call 911 and AEP Ohio at (800) 672-2231.
STAY CONNECTED
Customers can receive the latest alerts and information by:
NEXT UPDATE
We’ll continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Updates will be provided at AEPOhio.com as well as other communication channels.